Survey Says!? Broadband Impacts Economic Development.

Published: May 14, 2013, 6 p.m.

In March this year, in partnership with Broadband Communities Magazine, host Craig Settles conducted a survey of local government administrators and staff, service providers, consultants and others involved with broadband projects. What they have to say in Craig Settles' report, The Gigabit city & Economic Development, could directly influence your community\u2019s efforts.\n Magazine Editor Masha Zager joins us to analyze what survey results mean to your community. 60% of respondents say fiber networks attract business, 54% say it increases home-based businesses. Nearly half feel 20 \u2013 120 Mbps is minimum needed to impact certain economic outcomes. Only 7% see \u201csearching for a job\u201d as the greatest benefit broadband offers individuals.\nThe survey explored broadband\u2019s impact on six local economic outcomes in particular: attracting new businesses to town reviving depressed communitiesm making local companies more successful improving individuals\u2019 income-earning potential increasing home-based businesses improving depressed business districts\n The survey also looks at the potential for broadband-enabled telemedicine to impact economic development, and probed how respondents view certain national broadband policies. We solicited feedback on possible broadband funding models. If economic development is important to you, listen to this show.